The XD(M) 5.25 was developed by Springfield Armory’s Custom Shop, with guidance from five-time IPSC World Champion and 24-time USPSA National Champion Rob Leatham. It’s safe to say the XD(M) 5.25 Competition Series was designed for competitive shooters by a competitive shooter. The most striking and obvious feature of this XD(M) model is its 5.25-inch match-grade barrel. Longer-length barrels provide greater bullet velocity, which means that competitive shooters can use softer-shooting ammunition for faster follow-up shots and still make the minimum velocity requirements of the competition.